Spaghetti Salad

chefs-mate chefs-mate 0 Comments
Servings: 24 Difficulty: Intermediate
Jump To Recipe Print Recipe
Creamy, savory pasta salad with fresh vegetables and cheddar cheese
Spaghetti Salad recipe image
Spaghetti Salad recipe image
Print Recipe

Spaghetti Salad

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 24 Calories: 1103.4

Description

This hearty Spaghetti Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines cooked pasta with fresh diced tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and savory green onions. The addition of medium cheddar cheese and a tangy Italian dressing creates a rich, creamy texture that holds up well in the fridge. Perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad offers a satisfying blend of flavors. The longer it sits, the more the ingredients meld together, enhancing the taste. It is versatile enough to be enjoyed vegetarian or boosted with chopped ham for extra protein.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Drain well to remove excess water.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, diced green onions, and chopped green pepper.
  5. Add the medium cheddar cheese (shredded or cubed) and chopped ham if using.
  6. Pour the salad dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1103.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 68.5g106%
Saturated Fat 42.5g213%
Cholesterol 194.0mg65%
Sodium 1244.3mg52%
Total Carbohydrate 59.4g20%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g17%
Sugars 2.1g
Protein 61.4g123%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best flavor, prepare this salad the night before serving. The longer it sits in the refrigerator, the better the ingredients blend together.

In the summertime, consider adding chopped fresh basil and oregano for a brighter, herbal note.

This recipe yields a large batch, perfect for crowds. It can be easily halved for smaller gatherings.

Chopped ham adds a nice savory element, but the dish is delicious without it for a vegetarian option.

Ensure the pasta is drained very well before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Keywords: spaghetti, salad, pasta, italian, cheddar, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, bell pepper, dressing, potluck, bbq, vegetarian, cold, summer, easy, crowd pleaser
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious